South American Institute of Government in Health

The South American Institute of Government in Health (ISAGS) is a public intergovernamental institution of UNASUR whose main goal is to promote exchange, critical thinking, knowledge management and generate innovation in policy and governance for health, thus offering South American Health Ministries the best available practices and evidences on health management. It was created by the Heads of State and Government of UNASUR after a proposal of the South American Council of Health gathered in Cuenca, Ecuador, in April 2010. According to the institute's Executive Director José Gomes Temporão, "Isags works in alliance with experts and networks present in the twelve countries of South America to foster the best practices in health to the 400 million inhabitants of this part of the world".

Created by UNASUR's Council of Heads of State and of Government as proposed by the South American Council of Health, gathered in Cuenca, Ecuador in April 2010, ISAGS operations are based on the Triennial Work Plan 2012-2015, which is itself a result of the priorities defined by the Quinquennial Plan 2010-2015 of the South American Council of Health.

ISAGS’s three basic functions are managing and producing knowledge, developing leadership, and providing technical support. All three are carried out participatively, not only in what regards the identification of problems, but also in carrying out and sharing solutions.

Besides the South American Council of Health, other UNASUR councils have also proposed the creation of their own institutions to develop their activities, like the South American Defense Council. Its Defense Strategic Studies in Defense operates in Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires.